Viacom18 sets up Viacom18 Digital Ventures; names Gaurav Gandhi as COO

Gandhi, who is currently Group COO at IndiaCast Media Distribution, will lead and develop a unique, unified multi-platform product offering

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | July 13, 2015

Multi-platform entertainment network, Viacom18, has announced its new digital business, Viacom18 Digital Ventures, bridging traditional broadcasting and digital innovation. Viacom has selected Gaurav Gandhi, an industry expert from within the organization, as Chief Operating Officer of this venture.

Gandhi's new role is effective August 1, 2015. He has earlier served as Group Chief Operating Officer at IndiaCast Media Distribution (a TV18 & Viacom18 venture).

The decision to start a new line of business comes in light of the organization's strategy to develop a convergent digital media platform for evolved consumers and marketers.

Sudhanshu Vats

Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “The broadcast industry is growing rapidly, and digital content, delivery and access are the new green shoots. We are looking to leverage the interception between a highly digital audience and the current content offerings. Gaurav's rich experience in media, keen understanding of digital, strong base in distribution and his entrepreneurial instinct have made him our obvious choice.”

Gaurav Gandhi

Gandhi said of his new role, “I am very excited about this opportunity of building out a consumer facing digital business for Viacom 18. With the ever changing media landscape, fast growing high-speed internet access and explosive growth in video consumption across screens, there could not be a better time to move forward in this space. We at Viacom 18 want to be the forefront of this digital convergence with our products & content offerings.”

Gandhi, who has a rich and diverse experience in media and broadcast sector, joined Viacom18 as Chief Commercial Officer & Head of International Business in March 2010. His previous stints in leadership roles have been at NDTV Imagine (Executive VP - Business Operations & Content Sales); Star TV / Star Group  (Vice-president, Commercial & Business Planning); Turner International India; and Madison Communications.

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